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Youth service

We know we can only improve our services by involving our patients in the decisons we make about their care.

Our youth service has been set up to do just that.

Listening and learning from the experiences of our younger patients is at the heart of the youth service which is aimed at giving young people a voice and help shape their future care. Our hope is that young people will feel supported throughout their time with us particularly as they move from children's into adult care.

Our aim

To support young people who access hospital services by providing a diverse range of personal and social development opportunities which empower young people to have their voices heard and influence decision making. To promote a smooth transition to adult services by providing positive activities, places to go, and someone to talk to.

Mission statement

University Hospital Southampton’s Youth Service will recognise the young person/ young adult for who they are and not by their illness or condition, offering support and encouragement to help them become whatever it is in them to be.

Therapeutic support and guidance will be provided by qualified and experienced youth workers who will maintain the interests and well-being of young people and their families at all times, taking into account the environment of care and its physical, psychological and social effects as well as offer support when needed to enable a smooth transition from children’s to adult services and beyond.

Values

Young people choosing to take part.

Accept Young People for who they are and where they are at, and then give them the confidence and tools to reach beyond this

See Young People as Young People (not imposing labels)

Helping young people develop stronger relationships and collective identities